Citation and License

Nanoscale Research Letters 2012, 7:76
doi:10.1186/1556-276X-7-76

Published: 16 January 2012

Abstract

We present an enhanced method to form stable dispersions of medium-sized silicon nanoparticles
for solar cell applications by thermally induced grafting of acrylic acid to the nanoparticle
surface. In order to confirm their covalent attachment on the silicon nanoparticles
and to assess the quality of the functionalization, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier spectroscopy measurements were carried out.
The stability of the dispersion was elucidated by dynamic light scattering and Zeta-potential
measurements, showing no sign of degradation for months.